Business to Business Group Networking is Golden!
New Englanders like to know who we are dealing with for our products and services, don't we? The internet, and all its social media concepts are no replacement for the relationships and accountability that evolve through face to face contact. The following represent several local networking opportunities that businesses use to meet potential customers/clients. In almost all cases, members report that they get new business - and referrals for business outside their groups - by participating in these groups.
1. This concept is great! Some of our clients encounter the best networking activities are those that blend socializing with business building. The Seacoast Chain Gang is such a group of owners and decision-makers from a variety of businesses that meet monthly in different locations. There is no membership fee and online sign up is easy. The price of a drink is all this will cost you if the venue is in a pub or restaurant. The Seacoast Green Building Coalition has a environmentally friendly construction practice theme and features occasional presenters. They also meet monthly.
2. Chamber of Commerce memberships can be a relatively inexpensive means to grow business, especially as measured by the membership pool size vis-a-vis the earnings from even a single new customer. The financial resources of their members may be more favorable overall than the free groups. Let's call it network quality "pre qualification". Several local Chambers include the Amesbury, Hampton Area, Greater Haverhill, Greater Newburyport, North Shore (MA), Greater Portsmouth, Salisbury and the Greater York Region
3. Business networking groups designed for that purpose alone can be the most expensive. Your target audience is the smallest by far, but membership is a virtual equivalent to becoming the default service provider for your fellow members for a given product or service. BNI (Business Networking International) explains the purpose of the organization best: "BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. We offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals."
Do a little research before you commit. Besides quantity of members, consider the quality of its demographics as it relates to your target audiences. Take a look at their member list. Inquire into who "shows up" for events. Assure yourself that a given group's networking events present the optimal target market. Another important attribute for your success is that a group meets frequently during which time you can mingle and exchange information; network. Whatever venue you choose, "showing up" is the key to your success! And come armed with business cards, flyers and/or brochures to remind your new contacts of what you can do for them and how to contact you.
hope that this year’s auction is a great success.
Free Electronics Recycling! We continue to provide a 
arrived with a draft of a booklet about the Bartlett family history (members of which family have a farm in Salisbury, MA). The hard researched work by Mr. Rapisardi, The Royal Bartlett Farm, highlights the contributions of the Bartletts through several centuries. In fact, they enjoyed an authentic royal start in England hundreds of years ago. Their stature translated to land ownership and influence in the region that came to be known as New England. 
Homecoming race recently!). The photo of the American Bittern Paul took in Breton Woods, NH is a beauty. Click on the image to see a larger rendition.